Film and forum examine U.S., Canada health care

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Breaking through the noise and nonsense surrounding Canadian vs. United States health care systems, “The Healthcare Movie” shines a light on the historical background of the health care systems now serving the people of the United States and the people of Canada — each completely different from the other.

It documents the intense political struggle in Canada nearly 50 years ago that led to its present system, as well as the public relations campaigns from the early 1900s to the present that have prevented a truly universal system from getting popular support in the United States.

This movie was selected as one of the films screened at the Chicago International Social Change Film Festival (CISCFF) Oct. 5-7.

The film was produced by a “mixed cultural heritage” married couple, Laurie Simons and Terry Sterrenberg. Simons is Canadian, and Sterrenberg is American. They lived together in Canada for 10 years before moving to Seattle, so they know firsthand what it means to switch from the worry-free health care system in Canada to the complicated, expensive and anxiety-provoking system in the United States. In making the movie, they learned that the evolution of each of the systems in our adjoining countries was an adventure story, complete with heroes and villains.

“The Healthcare Movie” will be shown free at the Nevada Theatre by the Nevada County Chapter of Health Care for All (HCA) on Tuesday, Oct. 30.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and the movie starts at 6 p.m. Simons and Sterrenberg are traveling to Nevada City to answer questions, along with local doctors Roger Hicks and Jeff Kane. HCA State Chair Shannon Miller will explain why we still need single-payer even though “Obamacare” was passed.

Summer Thyme’s Bakery and Deli will be on hand to sell snacks and more.